Shira Route 6 Days Hiking
ITINERARY OVERVIEW
Very similar to Lemosho route, however it starts at 3,600 meters and is therefore not ideal for trekkers who have little or no experience of high altitude trekking. On the first day you begin at Shira Gate to Simba Camp before joining the Lemosho Route on day two at Shira Camp 2. The high starting point is however a major negative for this route as many experience altitude sickness from day one without enough time to acclimatize.
The route over the Shira Plateau has several possible variations.After Shira Camp 2 the route joins the Machame Route via Lava Tower, and then descends to the Barranco Camp via the Southern Circuit. Ascent to Uhuru Peak is made via Barafu Camp and up the southern slopes of Kibo. The route is seldom used by other trekkers and so your initial two days on the mountain are less crowded than on most other routes.
ITINERARY SUMMARY
ITINERARY SUMMARY
ITINERARY SUMMARY
Day 1: Shira Gate To Shira
Day 2: Trekking From Shira 1 To Shira 2 Camp Via Cathedral Point
Day 3: Trekking To Barranco Camp Via Lava Tower
Day 4: Trekking Baranco Wall To Barafu Camp
Day 5: Barafu Camp To Uhuru Peak Down To Mweka Camp
Day 6: Mweka Camp To Mweka Gate
Shira Route 6 Days Hiking | ELEVATION
Group Discount
The price per person for group expeditions are fixed based on a group size. However, we have optional arrangements for individual private and tailor-made preferences best suited for you, your family and friends.
| GROUP SIZE | PRICE PER PERSON |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | $ 2,080 |
| 2 - 4 People | $ 1,970 |
| 5 - 7 People | $ 1,830 |
| 8 - 10 People | $ 1,780 |
| 11+ People | $ 1,700 |
MT. KILIMANJARO HIKING FAQ's
Kilimanjaro is the only highest mountain which allows you to reach its summit Uhuru peak without any technical skills. Climbing Kilimanjaro is easy compared to other mountains, as it has easier terrains than steeps. However, you may need to use your hands while climbing the Barranco wall as it is the only steep wall in the entire Kilimanjaro zone. This is one of the important Kilimanjaro FAQs and has a proper answer. During wet season you may require hiking poles because the rocks are more slippery. Make sure you wear proper hiking boots or gaiters while you are climbing Kilimanjaro.
The weather in Kilimanjaro is considered as wet season and dry season. Before knowing about Best Time To Climb Kilimanjaro”, the weathers and climates are very important to decide for Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. All the Kilimanjaro routes pass the ecological or climatic zones where the weather tends to change hourly due to the high-altitude condition and the trade winds. The wet season has more rainfall and dry season has lesser rainfall with more dry days. The main climatic zones are: Cultivation zone, Rainforest zone, Heath or moorland zone, Highland dessert zone and Artic zone. Each zone are unique in its own way and also have a distinct weather conditions all the way.
Best time to climb Kilimanjaro is a major Kilimanjaro Faq’s asked by most of the trekkers. Mount Kilimanjaro can be ascended year around and all the Kilimanjaro routes will support climbing Kilimanjaro round the year. As Kilimanjaro is near to equator the region experiences a very less extremes of winter and summer weather, rather it has wet and dry seasons. Hence, the Best Time To Climb Kilimanjaro is dry season which is warm. It is advised to avoid climbing Kilimanjaro during wet season for beginners. However, if you are with a professional climber and have all the safety precautions taken, then climbing Kilimanjaro in wet season would be really adventures. This also depends on your preference of Kilimanjaro Routes. You will need to choose best Kilimanjaro route and also choose a longer itinerary for better acclimatization.
You will be provided with tents, camping gear, food, utensils, and guidance. You should bring your own sleeping bag, water system, personal clothing, light duffle bag, and day pack. Hiking poles can be rented. If “What Do I Need To Climb Kilimanjaro?” is your question, the following list is for you. A packing list is provided to all climbers, along with our pre-departure packet:
- 1 mountaineering sleeping bag
- 1 LED flashlight with spare batteries
- 1 Pair of comfortable trekking boots
- 1 towel
- 2 fleece jackets
- 1 down jacket or long-sleeved wind-breaker
- 1 set of thermal underwear
- 2 pairs of trekking trousers
- 1 waterproof jacket
- 1 pair of waterproof trousers
- 1 sun hat
- 1 pair of sunglasses
The Kilimanjaro Food during your climb will help you to avoid from Kilimanjaro Altitude Sickness. The menu on Kilimanjaro is designed to ensure your food intake matches your level of exertion. It will provide you with a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, fruit and vegetables. When you are at altitude you could start to feel uneasy and your appetite may be suppressed, so the meals prepared at high altitude usually contain more carbohydrates and less protein to help you to digest your food. Your meals will be prepared by your cooks on Kilimanjaro and the food will be carried by your porters. You will be provided with Porridge, Toast, Pancakes, Egg, Smoked sausages, Tea, coffee and Hot chocolate. Sandwiches, Hard boiled eggs, Biscuits, Fruit juice. Soup, Pasts, Rice, Potatoes, Chicken, Beef, vegetables, Salad and Fresh fruits.
The Kilimanjaro Food during your climb will help you to avoid from Kilimanjaro Altitude Sickness. The menu on Kilimanjaro is designed to ensure your food intake matches your level of exertion. It will provide you with a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, fruit and vegetables. When you are at altitude you could start to feel uneasy and your appetite may be suppressed, so the meals prepared at high altitude usually contain more carbohydrates and less protein to help you to digest your food. Your meals will be prepared by your cooks on Kilimanjaro and the food will be carried by your porters. You will be provided with Porridge, Toast, Pancakes, Egg, Smoked sausages, Tea, coffee and Hot chocolate. Sandwiches, Hard boiled eggs, Biscuits, Fruit juice. Soup, Pasts, Rice, Potatoes, Chicken, Beef, vegetables, Salad and Fresh fruits.
The guides and porters are professionally trained to handle the emergency situations. They are equipped with first aid kits and also trained to provide first aid medicines. In case of any severe emergency the recuse team will be available to help you descend through a stretcher or in case of more sever emergency there will be a helicopter rescue team who will take you to the high altitude medical clinic and transfer to the best hospital in the city.
Yes, the drinking water is safe and there will be available enough water for all the climbers. We recommend you to carry 2-3 litres of water with you and add water purification tablets to it. This will help to purify the flowing water in the mountains and you will be safe to drink water in the mountains. It is suggested to drink more water to keep yourself hydrated and energised while Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
While it comes to altitude sickness, then the question would be “How hard is it to climb Kilimanjaro?” The high-altitude level needs physical fitness and mental determination to climb Kilimanjaro instead of high-altitude medications. However, it is your preference to take high altitude medication while climbing Kilimanjaro, one of the tablet is Diamox which will help you control the high altitude sickness. It make you urinate more. So, we recommend to make yourself fit and train for Kilimanjaro and then attempt to the summit.
It is better to check with your doctor or centre of disease control before leaving for any recommendations. This one of the major Mount Kilimanjaro Facts you should take into considerations. However, while entering Tanzania you will need a yellow fever vaccination certificate and also malaria vaccination certificate. Apart from these other vaccinations are not compulsory. However, it is better to consult your doctor for Vaccinations for Kilimanjaro if you have asthma or any chronic health problems.
FULL ITINERARY
Moshi
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town, you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Gear which is missing can be rented on this day. Overnight at Weru Weru River Lodge (or alternative).
Hotel is Bed & Breakfast basis.
You depart Moshi/Arusha for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4hours, where you will complete entry formalities while guides and porters prepare equipment. After lunch at the gate, drive for about 2hrs further up to where you’re hiking trail begins (Starting Point). The trek starts through shrubs and giant heather until you reach Shira 1 Camp.
- Hiking distance: 4km
- Hiking time: 1–2hrs
- Habitat: Moorland
- Overnight: Shira 1 Camp (All meals included)
You explore the Shira plateau for a day. It is a gentle walk east toward Kibo’s glaciered peak, across the plateau, which leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth. You will cross Shira Cathedral for acclimatization and if the weather permits, Mount Meru (the fifth summit of Africa) is clearly seeing from Shira 2.
- Shira Camp 1(3,610m/11,843ft) to Shira 2 (3,850m/12,795ft) via Cathedral Point (3872m/12703)
- Hiking distance: 7km
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hrs
- Habitat: Moorland
- Overnight: Shira 2 Camp or Moir Camp (All meals included)
From the Shira Plateau, you continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As you continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after the tower, you come to the second junction that brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. You now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of almost 13,000ft. Here you will rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
- Shira 2 (3,850m/12,795ft) to Barranco Camp (3,900m/12,960ft) via Lava Tower (4,600m/15,190ft)
- Hiking Distance: 12km
- Hiking Time: 6-7hrs
- Habitat: Moorland
- Overnight: Barranco Camp (All meals included)
This is a great mountain day. You descend into the start of the Great Barranco and then exit steeply up onto the southern slopes of Kibo. You pass beneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers and head up to the Karanga Valley, the last place where you can find water below the summit. You will pass Karanga campsite and the junction of the Mweka Trail before a final push across some scree to the Barafu campsite. From here you can see both the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo.
- Baranco Camp (3,900m/12,960ft) to Barafu Camp (4,667m/15,311ft)
- Hiking Distance: 13km
- Hiking Time 7- 8hrs
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Overnight: Barafu Camp (All meals included)
At 11:30 PM, you will wake up to steaming tea and biscuits. You will then take off into the night. Your 6-hour climb northwest through heavy scree between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers to Stella Point on the crater rim is the most challenging part of the route for most climbers. At Stella Point (5,685m/18,650ft) you stop for a short rest and a chance to see an outstanding sunrise. You cannot stop for long, as it will be extremely difficult to start again due to fatigue and cold. Depending on the season and recent storm activity, you may encounter snow on the remaining part of your hike along the Uhuru Peak rim.
On the summit, you can enjoy your accomplishment, knowing you are creating a day you will remember for the rest of your life. After a 3-hour descent from the summit back to Barafu Camp, you will have a well-earned but short rest, collect your gears, and hike down a rock and scree path to the moorland below and enter the forest to Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft). This camp is in the upper forest, where you can expect rain and mist in the late afternoon.
- Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft)
- Hiking Distance: 15.5km
- Hiking Time: 8hrs up and 7-8hrs down
- Habitat: Ice Cap
- Overnight: Mweka Camp(All meals included)
After breakfast, you will take a short scenic 3-hour hike back to the park gate.
At Mweka Gate, you can sign your name and add details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive summit certificates. Climbers who reached Stella Point are issued green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak receive gold certificates.
From the Mweka Gate, you will continue down to Mweka Village for Hot Lunch with your Mountain Crew and a small celebration before your drive to your hotel for warm shower and leisure.
- Hiking Distance: 12km
- Hiking Time: 3hrs
- Habitat: Montane forest
- Accommodation: Parkview Inn
Moshi
This day left for your next destination. If you have safari, then might be used to beginning your safari or fly to Zanzibar or fly back home. Our vehicle will be ready to take you to the airport at your time.
Moshi
You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town, you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Gear which is missing can be rented on this day. Overnight at Weru Weru River Lodge (or alternative).
Hotel is Bed & Breakfast basis.
You depart Moshi/Arusha for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4hours, where you will complete entry formalities while guides and porters prepare equipment. After lunch at the gate, drive for about 2hrs further up to where you’re hiking trail begins (Starting Point). The trek starts through shrubs and giant heather until you reach Shira 1 Camp.
- Hiking distance: 4km
- Hiking time: 1–2hrs
- Habitat: Moorland
- Overnight: Shira 1 Camp (All meals included)
You explore the Shira plateau for a day. It is a gentle walk east toward Kibo’s glaciered peak, across the plateau, which leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth. You will cross Shira Cathedral for acclimatization and if the weather permits, Mount Meru (the fifth summit of Africa) is clearly seeing from Shira 2.
- Shira Camp 1(3,610m/11,843ft) to Shira 2 (3,850m/12,795ft) via Cathedral Point (3872m/12703)
- Hiking distance: 7km
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hrs
- Habitat: Moorland
- Overnight: Shira 2 Camp or Moir Camp (All meals included)
From the Shira Plateau, you continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As you continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after the tower, you come to the second junction that brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. You now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of almost 13,000ft. Here you will rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
- Shira 2 (3,850m/12,795ft) to Barranco Camp (3,900m/12,960ft) via Lava Tower (4,600m/15,190ft)
- Hiking Distance: 12km
- Hiking Time: 6-7hrs
- Habitat: Moorland
- Overnight: Barranco Camp (All meals included)
This is a great mountain day. You descend into the start of the Great Barranco and then exit steeply up onto the southern slopes of Kibo. You pass beneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers and head up to the Karanga Valley, the last place where you can find water below the summit. You will pass Karanga campsite and the junction of the Mweka Trail before a final push across some scree to the Barafu campsite. From here you can see both the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo.
- Baranco Camp (3,900m/12,960ft) to Barafu Camp (4,667m/15,311ft)
- Hiking Distance: 13km
- Hiking Time 7- 8hrs
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Overnight: Barafu Camp (All meals included)
At 11:30 PM, you will wake up to steaming tea and biscuits. You will then take off into the night. Your 6-hour climb northwest through heavy scree between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers to Stella Point on the crater rim is the most challenging part of the route for most climbers. At Stella Point (5,685m/18,650ft) you stop for a short rest and a chance to see an outstanding sunrise. You cannot stop for long, as it will be extremely difficult to start again due to fatigue and cold. Depending on the season and recent storm activity, you may encounter snow on the remaining part of your hike along the Uhuru Peak rim.
On the summit, you can enjoy your accomplishment, knowing you are creating a day you will remember for the rest of your life. After a 3-hour descent from the summit back to Barafu Camp, you will have a well-earned but short rest, collect your gears, and hike down a rock and scree path to the moorland below and enter the forest to Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft). This camp is in the upper forest, where you can expect rain and mist in the late afternoon.
- Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft)
- Hiking Distance: 15.5km
- Hiking Time: 8hrs up and 7-8hrs down
- Habitat: Ice Cap
- Overnight: Mweka Camp(All meals included)
After breakfast, you will take a short scenic 3-hour hike back to the park gate.
At Mweka Gate, you can sign your name and add details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive summit certificates. Climbers who reached Stella Point are issued green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak receive gold certificates.
From the Mweka Gate, you will continue down to Mweka Village for Hot Lunch with your Mountain Crew and a small celebration before your drive to your hotel for warm shower and leisure.
- Hiking Distance: 12km
- Hiking Time: 3hrs
- Habitat: Montane forest
- Accommodation: Parkview Inn
Moshi
This day left for your next destination. If you have safari, then might be used to beginning your safari or fly to Zanzibar or fly back home. Our vehicle will be ready to take you to the airport at your time.
INCLUDES
- Pick up and drop off at Kilimanjaro International Airport.
- Pre & Post Trek accommodation at Parkview Inn or Kilimanjaro wonders Hotel
- Park fees, camping fees, rescue fees and 18% VAT on tour fees & services which cost nearly 55% of the total cost charged.
- 4 Season mountain tents
- Sleeping Mats
- Transportation to & from the mountain gate
- Professional mountain guides, cooks and porters
- 3 meals daily while on the mountain
- Filtered water throughout the trek
- Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
- Portable flush toilet can be provided for free upon client’s request.
EXCLUDES
- Tanzania Visa: $50 per person on arrival, USA and CANADA passport holders USD.100
- Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- Hiking Gears
- Tips and gratuities to your mountain crew.
GETTING VISA IN TANZANIA
Visa for Tanzania can be obtained via Online Visa Application before arrival or on arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport. All travelers will need a passport which will remain valid for at least 6 months longer than your expected visit. You will also need to present proof that you have a return ticket, and proof that you have sufficient money to support yourself during your stay in Tanzania.
Each traveler is responsible for sorting out their own passport and visa requirements, and we cannot offer much assistance in this matter. If you do not yet have a passport, apply for one early, as they can take some time to arrive. If you already have a passport, double-check when it expires.
While Tanzania is a commonwealth country, UK citizens do need a tourist visa to enter. This is also true for citizens of Australia, New Zealand, India, the United States, Canada, and most EU countries. Citizens of countries not mentioned should contact their nearest embassy or high commission to check visa requirements. Visas usually cost in the neighborhood of $50 (around £40), but some visas from the US can cost $100. Tanzanian visas expire three months after they are issued so be careful not to apply too soon.
Visas can be purchased upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (IATA code: JRO), but you can expect long queues, and for the process to take an extra hour or more. The Tanzanian High Commission has stressed that they have the right to deny visas applied for on arrival. We have never had a report of this happening, but it is a danger best avoided.
For these reasons, we highly recommend that travelers get their visa in advance if at all possible. On the other hand, many US travelers prefer to avoid risking their passports in the mail, and other potential delays, by applying upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport.
It is also now possible to apply for your Tanzania visa online https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/visa/. Please read the Visa Application Guidelines carefully before beginning your application to ensure you apply for the correct type of visa, and that you are planning on entering Tanzania through one of the approved entry points.
Where to obtain a Tanzanian visa
- In Dar es Salaam: The Office of the Director of Immigration Services
- In Zanzibar: The Office of the Principal Immigration Officer
- Abroad: Any Tanzanian Embassy or High Commission or via the Tanzania Immigration Services website
- Entry points to Tanzania: Any gazette entry point, including international airports, Zanzibar Airport, the port of Kigoma, Horohoro, Sirari, Tunduma, and Nagama
Please be advised that, whilst we make every effort to provide you with accurate and up-to-date information, travel requirements can change quickly and sometimes without notice. We urge you to double-check the visa and passport requirements for your trip, and consult with an embassy or consulate.
OUR BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS
Travel Route Africa terms & conditions – We are registered and Licensed Tanzania Tour Operator under the laws of Tanzania and accepts your bookings under the following terms and conditions.
DEPOSIT & PAYMENT
To secure place, 10% down payment is required to make in advance as per the company policy, the payment will be made via bank transfer or online payment with visa, master card and America express etc.
Deposit and final payments can be made via bank transfer or online payment with your master card or visa card within 30 days’ prior the tour or in cash upon arrival (USD). Please note US dollar notes printed prior to 2001 are not accepted anywhere in Tanzania. Transfer details will be emailed on request.
All bank charges are to be settled by the client respectively. This includes transaction fees charged by our bank. Our bank will not charge a fee for wire transfers but your bank will and there may possibly be a 3rd bank involved. From our experience we see bank fees for wire transfers from $35 – $50. The amount charged for a wire transfer is not dependent on the amount sent.
ONLINE PAYMENT
Payment can be made through our online payment system using credit card at a surcharge of 3.5%.
THE BOOKING
Bookings and ensuing contracts shall be deemed to have been concluded in Moshi, Tanzania and shall be interpreted according to the laws of the United Republic of Tanzania. The Company reserves the right to decline any booking without outlining the reasons for it.
All travelers receive pre-trip information, complete itinerary and on-demand pre-travel advice, via email or directly with our offices for any last minute or personal queries.
In the event of a particular accommodation being unavailable upon booking, accommodation of a similar or higher standard will be substituted.
BOOKING AMENDMENTS
For amendments of existing bookings done by the client/ agent (e.g. departure dates, air tickets, accommodation, number of participants etc) a handling fee of 70 USD per booking applies. The handling fee will be charged in addition to the service provider fees.
CANCELLATIONS
Travel Route Africa entitled to act as an agent or principal with regard to the provision of the services.
Having paid full amount of any trip, you are entitled to incur refund in case if you want to cancel your trip. Still, cancellation charge is invoiced to you. Written notification of your cancellation should be made to cancel any trip. Nevertheless, you are imposed cancellation charge as advised below: –
- 90 – 60 days or more deposit retained
- 59 – 45 days before departure 50% of the TOTAL BOOKING COST shall be refunded.
- 44 – 30 days before departure 75% of the TOTAL BOOKING COST shall be refunded.
- 29 – 01 days before departure 100% no refund of the TBC shall be made.
If Travel Route Africa cancels your trip due to unforeseen circumstances like weather and Pandemics etc. we would be happy to refer your alternative trip of a similar standard. If this doesn’t fit your personal interest, all monies paid by you to our company will be refunded. But remember, any other expenses incurred by you as a result of this booking are entirely your responsibility.
Price From
$ 1,908 / PER PERSON
All Prices are per person in a party of 2 adults sharing a double room. Choose a scheduled date or contact us to set up private dates or a bespoke itinerary. Read our booking terms and conditions for more details.
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